DUI Outlined

DUI stands for Driving Under Influence, or drunk driving. It means that you are so intoxicated by the consumption of alcohol or other drugs that you cannot exercise your motoring skills. This is not just for the cars or trucks it also applies for boats and aircrafts. Anyone aged 21 years or older will be considered as intoxicated if they drive while their blood alcohol content or BAC is 0.08% or higher. They will also be considered as intoxicated if they drive while they are on legal prescription medications, illegal or restricted substances or any other intoxicants. It is also against the law to drive under a significant amount of controlled or illegal substance present in the blood. DWI is a far more serious charge than DUI. DWI stands for driving while intoxicated. A DWI means that you are above the legal intoxication limit. The police will subject you to a breathalyzer test after they pull you over. The test will determine your BAC. BAC or Blood Alcohol Concentration is the amount of blood to alcohol the person has in his or her system when he or she takes the test.

Officers will observe the physical appearance of the alleged intoxicated driver very closely. This is done to determine symptoms of intoxication in order to form the basis of arrest (probable cause). The arrest report will list the sysmptons you display and this will be used by the prosecution in the case against you. DUI charges have far-reaching effects. If convicted, you will not only loose your job but you can be imprisoned. A DUI charge sits on a person’s criminal record forever and will always have an effect on his or her life, maybe even inhibiting future job aspirations.

The fines and penalties will depend on the nature and frequency of the crime. Usually, a conviction for the first time is not very severe. First time offenders are generally subject to a fine, license suspension or restriction and completion of a DUI course. Although a first time offender is seldom jailed, a second time offender is generally sent to prison.If you cause property damage, then the penalties will be enhanced. The legal drinking age is 21 years and above. If you are less than 21 years of age and have been booked for DUI, then your license will be suspened.

DUI lawyers have expertise on laws of the road and the particular crime of driving while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. The attorneys will review the potential issues that may be brought up in a courtroom setting and inform you of the various procedures you will have to go through. The attorney will make the process as simple as possible by outlining the different defense options.